Siddall's debut try caps Overton's stirring fightback (From Basingstoke Gazette)

Siddall's debut try caps Overton's stirring fightback

1:00pm Friday 26th February 2010 in

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OVERTON produced a highly impressive second half fightback to extend their unbeaten run to five matches and move themselves up to fourth in the Hampshire Two table.

Visiting Lytchett Minster made a strong start to Saturday’s game at Laverstoke Park, scoring a converted try and a penalty in a blistering opening 10 minute spell.

Overton struck back and saw both Ryan Cornell and Mike Shepherd held up over the line before an Alex Plows penalty made it 10-3.

The visitors then extended their lead with another converted try.

However, Ben Bull made sure Overton were in touch at the break, going over for a converted try from the back of a ruck just before the half-time whistle.

Trailing 17-8 at half-time, Overton improved dramatically in the second period and quickly pulled five points back through Tom Barrington.

They went ahead soon after, Gavin Plows scoring from an unstoppable driving maul to put them 18-17 up, while a Bull penalty extended the lead to a precious four points.

Lytchett Minster kicked a drop-goal to reduce the deficit but Overton made sure of the win in the closing stages.

Winger Tom Siddall went over the line for a debut try after a good team move had swept through the Minster defence. Overton have now won three on the bounce but face another form team on Saturday, when they travel to Locksheath Pumas.

Chineham slipped down to seventh after losing 37-0 at home to leaders Isle of Wight.

The islanders put their hosts under a lot of pressure in the early stages and went into the break 30-0 up. Chineham improved after the break but were unable to get any points on the board and the title favourites wrapped up a comfortable victory.

This Saturday Chineham travel to local rivals Kingsclere, who were unable to field a side at home to Ventnor last week. Chineham won the same fixture 46-0 back in September.